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Acta out as manager; Riggleman new skipper

More than five hours after they lost their 61st game of the season, the Nationals have dismissed Manny Acta as their manager on Sunday night, according multiple sources. An announcement is expected to be made as early as Monday.

Acta learned about his dismissal at Nationals Park after the team landed at Dulles Airport in Washington. Team president Stan Kasten gave Acta the news.

Jim Riggleman will now be the new skipper of the Nationals.

Acta managed the Nationals for two-plus seasons and compiled a 158-252 record. This year, the team had a 26-61 record, the worst in baseball. A mediocre bullpen and lack of defense were the reasons for the disappointing record.

In fact, a published report from FOXSports.com said on June 13th that that Acta was going to be dismissed, but acting general manager Mike Rizzo said the report was unfounded.

According to one source, the Nationals have contemplated letting Acta go since late May but decided, first, to relieve Randy St. Claire of his duties as pitching coach on June 2. Washington hired Steve McCatty to replace St. Claire.

Acta, Kasten and Rizzo did not return phone or e-mail messages MLB.com.

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